MusiCase delivers stereo speakers in iPod carry case...

First International Digital (FID) today introduced MusiCase, a unique iPod accessory, which combines two amplified stereo speakers with a carrying case. The company's MusiCase is made of a lightweight, durable nylon material, which allows users to easily store, protect, and transport their MP3 players and related accessories. Inside, two mesh pockets are specially optimized to hold iPods and the iPod shuffle (although the device is compatible with any MP3 player). The case features two internal speakers (1.8" and 1.1") to deliver a fully portable stereo system, powered by a built-in three-watt amplifier. The company says it produces clear, crisp sound without the need for headphones or cumbersome external speakers.

Evidence of iPod's "continued dominance"...

PiperJaffray said today that it believes that iPod's continued dominance of the portable audio market, is likely having an impact on Creative, which this morning lowered guidance for the June quarter. The company indicated that the 13 percent lower guidance is a result of softer than expected overall market demand for MP3 players and lower ASPs. "Our checks with retailers show that Apple's presence in the retail market remains significantly greater than Creative," wrote analyst Gene Munster. "also, NPD data shows a significant up-tick in Apple MP3 player market share since the release of the iPod shuffle." Munster said the firm believes Apple will "significantly benefit from back-to-school and holiday buying" in the September and December quarters.

iPod competitors comment on strategy

"Digital-audio players weren't exactly virgin territory when Apple entered the fray in 2001," writes Fast Company. "But the iPod -- with its sublime design, intuitive usability, and unparalleled cool quotient -- set a new standard by which all other MP3 players would be judged." Expanding on the report in a recent issue of the magazine, six rivals talk about designing their answer to the iPod. Commentary is available from Dan Harden of Whipsaw, Ellen Glassman of Sony, Steve Gluskoter of Dell, Young Se Kim of Innodesign, Henri Crohas of Archos, and Sim Wong Hoo of Creative Technology.

TEN offers naviPro eX for iPod mini, U2 Edition...

TEN Technology today announced two new versions of its naviPro eX wireless remote control for iPod. Designed for owners of iPod mini and iPod U2, the device allows users to navigate through favorite playlists, albums or audiobooks with a wireless remote. The naviPro eX product line is an update of the naviPod wireless remote for iPod, now featuring an expanded remote control with 13 buttons. The expanded remote control functions include navigation of playlists, albums and audiobooks, and shuffle and repeat modes--all supported in the new 4th generation iPod with Click Wheel, iPod U2, iPod mini and iPod Photo. naviPro eX can also be used to flip through slideshows on the iPod photo.

NIN offers new single for GarageBand users to remix

Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails are offering a multitrack version of "Only," the latest single from the band, for fans to download and remix. The track can be remixed using GarageBand or Logic. The band is offering this latest opportunity following the "resounding success" of NIN's first GarageBand single, “The Hand That Feeds.” Reznor says "there is no agenda here other than for you o explore, experiment, and have fun with it. Depending on his this goes we may construct a more formal community for remix postings and/or possibly some sort of official endorsement b means of an EP or something."

Apple's iTunes Would Gain With Ruling Against P2P

The iTunes online music-download service "would be the primary beneficiary" in its category of a Supreme Court decision against peer-to-peer file sharing, PiperJaffray this morning said. The firm noted that iTunes has a 70 percent market share in online music. "We believe a decision against P2P file sharing would be positive for online content distribution companies, as a slowdown in P2P activity would likely lead to a pick-up in sales for legitimate online content providers. Although a decision is expected today, but it is possible that the case could be held over to the next session, which would begin in October, PiperJaffray noted." The firm maintained an "outperform" rating on Apple

PodSmith turns iPod into computer "key"

MAKI Enterprise has released PodSmith 1.0.0, a new iPod utility program for Mac OS X. PodSmith uses your iPod as a key for security and for various synchronization features. With PodSmith, users can lock or unlock their Macintosh with an iPod. The Screen Lock feature lets users lock and unlock the screen by unmounting and mounting the iPod. File Lock lets users lock specified folders in the same way. The "Protect your files" feature lets user disable all applications except those you specify. PodSmith's Auto-Sync option supports Safari bookmarks, Address Book and schedule for auto-sync. A single PodSmith license is $20.